The Benefits Of Serving Your Country (NAPSA)—Helping to make our nation a safer place is not without its rewards. Becoming a member of the Army National Guard, a 375-yearold branch of the U.S. military, gives soldiers a chance to accomplish great things in addition to serving their country and state. For a start, serving is not fulltime and does not require you to leave your personalor professional life behind. The difference between the Guard and other military services is that Guard soldiers serve part-time and close to home. These soldiers can work or go to school full-time and also serve their communities part-time by responding to natural disasters and other emergencies. That may be whyit’s such a popular option. Currently, the Army National Guard has 360,000 citizen-soldiers who are ready to protect and serve their local community, state and country at a moment’s notice. Meeting The Nation’s Military Needs The Army National Guard is one component of the U.S. Army. It partners with the other two components—the Active Army and the Army Reserve—to help fulfill the country’s military needs. The Guard dates back to 1636, when Colonial militia forces were orga- nized into regiments in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Since the Pequot War in 1637, the Guard has participated in every national waror conflict. The Guard has a dual state and federal mission. At the state level, it provides vital emergency assistance whenthere is a natural disaster, such as responding to fight wildfires or helping communities deal with floods, tornadoes, oo National Guard soldiers serve their communities by responding to natural disasters. hurricanes and snowstorms or civil disturbance. The Guard also supports federal homeland security efforts and stands ready to mobilize in times of war and national emergency. Emergency And Recovery Efforts In 2011, the Army Guard aided in emergency evacuation, rescue and recovery efforts for events such as Hurricane Irene; the dev- astating tornado in Joplin, Mis- souri; wildfires in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico; and blizzards across the East Coast and Midwest. On the federal side of things, National Guard units are currently serving in Afghanistan and Iraq as well as in peacekeeping missions in Kosovo and the Sinai Peninsula. Besides the opportunity to serve, there are several financial advantages to signing on that include pay and bonuses, low-cost health and life insurance, plus a chance to rise in the ranks. The Guard also helps members with their education by offering college tuition assistance. For More Information For more information, visit www.nationalguard.com.
